Sheriffs, corrections officers back police bid for workout time

Winnipeg police officers are not alone in asking their employers for paid time to exercise.

Now, the union representing corrections officers (COs) and sheriff's officers in Manitoba saysits members also want to be able to work outwhile on the job.

"They have, in the past, tried to bargain a fitness allowance into their collective agreements [and] with bargaining just around the corner it is guaranteed that this issue will come up again," said John Baert, spokesman for the Manitoba Government Employees Union (MGEU).

'There should be allowances for COs and sheriffs to ensure these individuals are able to meet the extreme physical challenges.' John Baert, Manitoba Government Employees Union

Those workers often face the same challenges as police officers, in particular the bulked-up criminals, he said.

"Our position, like that of the police is that there should be allowances for COs and sheriffs to ensure these individuals who deal with often physically-imposing inmates on a daily basis and could and do come into harm's way, are able to meet the extreme physical challenges presented on the job each day," Baert added.

"Yes, even if that means on work time at [the] employer's expense."

CBC News reported on Tuesday that police officers are seeking daily gym time during their shifts to keep pace with criminals, who are increasingly emerging from jail more fit and muscular than ever before.

Mike Sutherland, president of the Winnipeg Police Association, said many officers work out on their own time to become physically stronger for the challenges they face.

Workouts could reduce sick leave

He believes on-duty workouts would also help reduce injuries and sick leave.

The Winnipeg Police Service has so far refused the request, Sutherland said, adding that the proposal being put forth by the association is one of compromise.

If a workout takes 40 minutes to an hour, the association is suggesting the employer allow half of it to be done while the officers are on the clock, while the other half will be done on their own unpaid time.

RCMP officers get one hour of paid workout time per week if they promise to do at least that much on their own time.

Firefighters in Winnipeg also workout on the job but they have more down time between calls than police officers, said Alex Forrest, president of the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg union.